Initial autopsy results revealed cyanide traces in the blood of six Vietnamese and American guests at Bangkok’s Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel, suggesting one poisoned the others over a bad investment, Thai authorities said. The bodies were discovered Tuesday after they failed to check out. Security footage showed the guests arriving one by one after food was delivered Monday afternoon. The untouched food and used teacups were found in the room, which was locked from the inside. Penelope Kingsley 17/07/2024 4:00 pm
In Muscat, Oman, gunmen attacked a Shiite mosque, killing six and wounding nearly 30, marking the deadliest such incident in the peaceful sultanate’s recent history. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, its first in Oman, targeting Shiites on the eve of their holy day. Analysts are shocked the attack occurred in Oman, known for its non-interventionist policies and majority Ibadi Muslim population. Despite no known ISIS branch in Oman, extremist groups have a presence in neighboring Yemen. The Royal Oman Police confirmed the deaths of five worshippers and one officer. Noah Prescott 17/07/2024 12:30 pm
Six people, including two US citizens, were found dead in a Bangkok luxury hotel, likely from cyanide-laced tea and coffee following a dispute over bad investments, Thai police said. The bodies were discovered in a locked suite at the Grand Hyatt Erawan after missing check-out. Police found traces of cyanide in cups and a teapot. Initially searching for a seventh person, authorities now believe one of the deceased poisoned the others. The victims include two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals. Ava Sinclair 17/07/2024 12:30 pm
Cyanide traces were found in the cups of six Vietnamese and American guests found dead at Bangkok’s Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel. Thai authorities suspect one guest poisoned the others over a bad investment. The bodies were discovered Tuesday after the group was last seen alive when food was delivered Monday. Security footage showed no other visitors, and the door was locked. Initial autopsy results were expected later Wednesday. Penelope Kingsley 17/07/2024 9:00 am
At the Republican National Convention, speakers made false claims about rising crime under President Biden. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Elise Stefanik alleged dramatic increases in violence and crime, which CNN’s fact-checking team debunked. FBI data shows violent crime significantly dropped in 2023 and early 2024, with current levels lower than in 2020, Trump’s last year. Preliminary 2023 data indicated a 13% decline in murder and a 6% decline in overall violent crime compared to 2022. Noah Prescott 17/07/2024 9:00 am
The Beijing gathering occurs amid complex domestic and international challenges. The Central Committee’s third plenum is shaping China’s development plan for the next five to 10 years. Weaker-than-expected growth figures led investment banks to cut forecasts. Concerns rise over potential hawkish U.S. policies if Trump returns and increased EU pressure. Xi Jinping’s work report and a Qiushi journal article emphasize self-reliance and confidence in China’s development path, dismissing foreign solutions. Official outlets suggest no major policy shifts, focusing on technology and advanced manufacturing. Noah Prescott 17/07/2024 5:30 am
The new UK Labour government is leveraging key events like the Nato Summit, the European Political Community gathering, and the King’s Speech to solidify its position and transition from opposition to leadership. Despite Rishi Sunak’s continued opposition, the prime minister is now a different person. The change in government brings a flurry of new job titles and a focus on turning political promises into reality. These events provide ceremonial and visual reinforcement of their agenda, helping to shift attention from negative headlines about the Welsh Labour government. Ava Sinclair 17/07/2024 5:30 am
A senior North Korean diplomat based in Cuba has defected to South Korea, according to South Korea’s spy agency. The diplomat, Ri Il Kyu, fled with his family in November, citing disillusionment with North Korea’s political system and unfair job evaluations. Ri also mentioned the lack of medical equipment in Cuba due to international sanctions as a reason for his defection. South Korean media confirmed the reports, while North Korea has not yet responded. North Korea has previously accused South Korea of enticing its citizens to defect and labeled defectors as traitors or criminals. Ava Sinclair 17/07/2024 5:30 am
At least six people, including a police officer, were killed in a shooting near a mosque in Oman’s Wadi Al-Kabir region, according to the Royal Oman Police. Over two dozen people were injured, including four Omani first responders. The attack occurred at the Imam Ali mosque during Ashura. Three perpetrators were killed during the exchange. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported four Pakistani deaths and 30 injuries. The ministry condemned the attack, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences. Penelope Kingsley 17/07/2024 5:30 am
A senior North Korean diplomat, Ri Il-kyu, defected to South Korea in November, becoming the highest-ranking defector since 2016, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Ri, a counsellor at the North Korean embassy in Cuba, was responsible for preventing diplomatic ties between South Korea and Cuba. He cited disillusionment with the regime and unfair work evaluations as reasons for his defection. Ri had previously received commendation from Kim Jong-un for negotiating the release of a North Korean ship in 2013. Defectors often undergo clearance and education about South Korean society. Ava Sinclair 17/07/2024 2:00 am
